MEMPHIS, Tenn — The annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is happening Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022.
Mid-Southerners are encouraged to turn in expired and unused medications that are no longer needed.
It runs from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. CT in Tennessee. Click HERE to find a Take Back Day event near you in Tennessee. Click HERE for a link to other Take Back events across the country.
Organizations partner with local law enforcement to collect and dispose of the medications, including opioids, and share information about preventing addiction. The medications can be safely disposed of with no questions asked.
“Whether it’s a recent surgery, dental procedure, or clearing out a home after the death of a loved one, there are so many situations where people have mass quantities of medications just sitting around. Safe and secure disposal through Take Back Day events is just about the easiest way we all can have an impact on substance use and addiction in our communities,” said Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Marie Williams, LCSW. “And with deadly doses of illicit fentanyl being pressed into counterfeit pills, there’s never been a more important time to take back your medications so that young people never begin experimenting with medications they find in the home.”
During the April 2022 Take Back Day, Tennesseans disposed of more than 5,600 pounds of medications.
There are also hundreds of prescription drug drop boxes available year-round. Click this link for a map of drop box locations across Tennessee.
- MEMPHIS:
- MPD said they have medication drop boxes in all of precinct lobbies all the time. Anyone is welcome to come dispose of their expired or unused medication anytime.
- FAYETTE COUNTY:
- Bring unused or expired medication to the front parking lot of Landry's Pharmacy (25 Woodbridge Rd. in Somerville, TN) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Do not bring liquids or needles.
- GERMANTOWN:
- Germantown Police are encouraging residents to bring unwanted medications to be disposed to the Kroger located at 7735 Farmington Boulevard. Residents can drive up to the curb by the GPD tent and drop off unwanted prescriptions without getting out of their vehicle. This service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Not all prescription drugs are eligible. The DEA cannot accept aerosol inhalers, liquids, needles or sharps. Only pills or patches will be accepted.
